3-Day In-Depth Trip to Shenyang: Unlock the Ancient City's Charm and History, Enjoy for Just 500 RMB per Person

3-Day In-Depth Trip to Shenyang: Unlock the Ancient City's Charm and History, Enjoy for Just 500 RMB per Person Want to avoid crowds and clichés and truly understand Shenyang's charm? This 3-day itinerary helps you cover historical sites, authentic food, and lively night markets all in one go. Stay close, eat well, and play thoroughly—easy for beginners to handle. 🏨 Accommodation: Choosing the right place = saving half your time Highly recommend staying near Zhongjie shopping district, the "golden spot" for Shenyang tourism. - Great value: Most guesthouses cost 150-200 RMB per night, some with private kitchens, perfect for sharing among groups. - Prime location: Just downstairs is Zhongjie Pedestrian Street, a 15-minute walk to Shenyang Imperial Palace, and only about a 10 RMB taxi ride to Marshal Zhang’s Mansion and Old North Market, so no time wasted on commuting. - Hidden perks: Nearby are many local breakfast spots where you can enjoy freshly made tofu pudding and tandoor bread early in the morning, much more authentic than hotel breakfasts. 🚇 Transportation: 2 simple tips to get around the city Skip complicated guides, just follow these 2 steps to travel smoothly in Shenyang: 1. Airport to city center: Take Metro Line 2 directly from Taoxian Airport Station, about 50 minutes, fare 5 RMB. More flexible than airport buses, no need to wait for full capacity. 2. City commuting: Use the “Shengjing Tong” app to scan QR codes on buses; for the metro, get the “Shenyang Metro Ride Code” via Alipay or WeChat—no physical card needed, just scan your phone and go, avoiding ticket lines. 📅 3-Day Itinerary: New highlights every day Day 1: Touch the historical marks of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China - Morning: Shenyang Imperial Palace (8:30-11:30) As the palace before the Qing entered Beijing, it features more Manchu characteristics than the Beijing Forbidden City. Must-see are the octagonal Dazheng Hall and the panoramic view from Phoenix Tower. The red walls and golden tiles against the blue sky make for stunning photos in Hanfu (Hanfu rental available at the entrance, 50 RMB/hour including makeup). Tips: Closed on Mondays, so avoid that day! - Noon: Eat at Zhongjie’s “Old Brand Starters” Walk 10 minutes from the palace to Zhongjie and head straight to Laobian Dumpling Restaurant (Zhongjie main store). Order the signature pan-fried dumplings with pork filling (fried before wrapping, juicy inside), plus a plate of crispy ice flower fried dumplings—perfect for photos and sure to get many “Where is this?” comments. - Afternoon: Marshal Zhang’s Mansion + Zhao Yidi’s Former Residence (14:00-17:00) This was the official residence of warlords Zhang Zuolin and Zhang Xueliang. The European-style Daqing Building and the Chinese courtyard-style Xiaoqing Building create a unique charm. The furniture and telegraph machines inside retain their Republic of China-era appearance, giving a vivid sense of the “King of Northeast China” and his historical era. Next door, the small and exquisite Zhao Yidi Former Residence (“Young Marshal’s Mansion”) is perfect for a quiet visit to learn about a legendary love story. - Evening: Old North Market Intangible Cultural Heritage Night Market (18:30-21:00) During the day, it’s a cultural exhibition featuring live creations by dough figurine artists and sugar painting masters; at night, it turns into a night market with folk artists performing Northeast drum storytelling and Yangko dance. Must-try is Li Liangu’s smoked meat pancake—fragrant but not greasy, wrapped in freshly baked bread, paired with a bowl of millet porridge to warm your stomach. Day 2: Immerse yourself in Xita and discover Korean ethnic flavors - Morning: Sleep in and leisurely explore the morning market The “Dun’an New City Morning Market” near Zhongjie (6:00-9:00) is worth a visit. You can buy Northeast specialties like sticky bean buns, sauerkraut buns, and freshly cut fruit at prices half those of supermarkets. - Noon: Kick off at Xita Food Street Take Metro Line 1 to Xita Station, exit A leads directly to the food street, specializing in Korean ethnic flavors: - Start with Fuchengyuan BBQ, order snowflake beef grilled until sizzling with oil, dipped in dry seasoning—super satisfying with every bite; - Then buy rice cakes from Xita Hanbaiwei, freshly made and coated with soybean powder, chewy but not sticky, 10 RMB per box makes a great snack; - Finally, drink a bowl of Grandma Yuan’s ginseng chicken soup, with tender chicken, glutinous rice, and ginseng, leaving you warm all over. Tips: Some portions are large; for two people, one BBQ and one soup are enough—don’t waste food! - Afternoon: Explore Xita’s “hidden corners” Next to Xita Street is Tumen Road, home to many Korean specialty shops selling kimchi and pollock jerky as souvenirs, plus niche cafes decorated in Korean Instagram style, perfect for photos and rest. - Evening: Experience Northeast “nightlife” Back at Zhongjie, have a late-night snack at Yanjia Chicken Rack (Zhongjie store). Shenyang’s “soul chicken rack” is a must-try! Recommended are the sweet and sour and spicy combo. The chicken rack is crispy outside and tender inside, paired with cold beer—perfect for summer. Only about 20 RMB per person to eat until full. Day 3: Visit a park + buy souvenirs, wrap up easily - Morning: Beiling Park (9:00-11:00) This is the tomb of Qing Emperor Taizong Huang Taiji. The park has large pine forests and fresh air, ideal for a stroll. The core attraction “Zhaoling” features stone elephants and a stele pavilion full of history. When tired, rest on lakeside benches and enjoy Shenyang’s slow pace. - Noon: End with “Northeast home-style dishes” Recommend Lumingchun (Taiyuan Street store) near Beiling Park. Order Guobaorou (crispy sweet and sour pork) and Di San Xian (stir-fried potatoes, eggplant, and green peppers), classic Northeast dishes with authentic flavors, perfect as the “grand finale” meal. - Afternoon: Buy souvenirs + return trip Go to “Shenyang Specialty Exhibition and Sales Center (Zhongjie store)” for souvenirs. Recommended: - Bulaolin candy (peanut nougat, a Shenyang old brand); - Kelagus sausage (vacuum-packed, easy to carry); - Northeast black fungus (high quality, great for gifting elders). After shopping, take the metro from Zhongjie directly to the airport or train station for a perfect trip ending. 💡 Must-know tips for beginners 1. Shenyang has large temperature differences between morning and evening in spring and autumn (up to 10°C), so even in summer, bring a light jacket; 2. You can bargain for souvenirs inside attractions (like Imperial Palace cultural products), don’t pay the listed price directly; 3. Use ride-hailing apps for taxis to avoid illegal cabs that may take detours. Following this guide, you’ll experience Shenyang’s rich history and authentic local life, all for about 500 RMB per person over 3 days—great value! Pack your bags and start your exciting journey in Shenyang now~